I realize this is an old (very old) thread. However, I hope to prove this useful for those like me who have recently purchased an older 996. My purchase happens to be a 99 996 Cab, pictures to post when spring arrives. I have already learned tons of information from constantly reading the forums, Rennlist, Renntech etc. - for instance, (unless you read the forums) how would you know there are about 1 million ways a 996 can self destruct. But more importantly, (unless you read the forums) who would know there are about 1 million well being guys ready to help at a moments notice with just about any task, project or repair to minimize the 1 million ways of self destruction. Many thanks to KrazyK for the coolant flush, Thanks to Loren for the brake fluid flush and the radio code and all the other great maintenance related posts that I have used. But enough of this dribble - I need to dribble more about the reason for this diatribe - The OBC Hack, which I came across where you ask, you guessed it -While Reading The Forums. A perfect project, easily done and minimal cost (at least by Porsche standards). While researching several posts I found myself reading, reading, and more reading interlaced with clicking links to other posts. Let me tell you, I consider myself extremely lucky, and here's why. After clicking several links in several posts I lost track of where I was and the next thing I knew - I was surrounded by a bunch of guys with only 2 seats!! Can you imagine my dismay? Well after the obligatory name calling on both parties, "Hey guys look at the fat a$$". Oh yea pint size, what do you want when you grow up - 4 seats?" You get the idea, but after all that fun we really got to know each other we found we were not that different. In fact, without those guys I never would have found Dwight Pilkilton. He provides an alternative to making your own harness (which becomes relevant in a moment if you are still with me). The great thing about the forums is someone has already done most everything and provided directions and more importantly part numbers and the OBC hack is no different. However, I found the parts have become significantly more expensive than when the original hack was written. Hence, Dwight, (I have no affiliation with other than 1 purchase) his forum username Pdwight, email - pdwight@att.net. He makes a fantastic harness that looks like an OEM part, and it was only a few dollars more than just the cost of parts for the DIY harness. The harness I bought from him made the task much easier for anyone who like me has just bought a car and wants to enable the OBC function.
Thanks to everyone who makes ownership easier and thanks to guys like Tool Pants, Loren, Pdwight and all the other contributors.
(Since all the procedures/actual wrenching has already been covered in great detail and excellent documentation I elected not to revisit those procedures)